Autopsy table

ABSTRACT

An autopsy table comprising an upstanding base, a cylindrical skirt telescopically mounted on the base for vertical and rotational movement relative thereto, and a table affixed to the upper end of the skirt for movement therewith to orient the table in variously selective adjustable positions, both vertically and rotatively. A mechanically driven actuating rod is connected, through a structural supporting structure, to the skirt for vertically adjusting the latter. A spring is provided for counterbalancing the weight of the table superstructure imposed on the actuating rod. The skirt is attached to a ring supported for free rotatable movement on circumferentially spaced antifriction thrust bearings forming a part of the skirt supporting structure.

United States Patent Kaplan 1 Apr. 29, 1975 AUTOPSY TABLE [75] Inventor:Robert P. Kaplan, Tonawanda, NY. f Schultz Assistant E.\-ammerDarrellMarquette [73] Assigneei The Jewel! Ref igerat Comp ny. Attorney, Agent,or FirmChristel & Bean lnc.. Buffalo, N.Y.

22 Filed: July 9, 1973 ABSTRACT [2 1 Appl No: 377,800 An autopsy tablecomprising an upstanding base, 3 cylindrical skirt telescopicallymounted on the base for vertical and rotational movement relativethereto, and [LS- Cl. [OS/142; a table affixed to the upper end of thekin for move- 248M882; 248/405; 243/4[5 ment therewith to orient thetable in variously selec- "3 A47) 9/02; A47b 1 1/00 tive adjustablepositions, both vertically and rotatively. [58] F'eld Search log/13L Amechanically driven actuating rod is connected, log/m5; 248/405 througha structural supporting structure, to the skirt for vertically adjustingthe latter. A spring is provided Referellces cued for counterbalancingthe weight of the table super- UNITED STATES PATENTS structure imposedon the actuating rod. The skirt is l.783.66l 12/1930 Makosi et al.103/147 attached to a ring Supported for free rotatable move- 2.ss7.22sl0/l958 Schenk lU8/l47 t n circumferentially spaced antifrimion thrust2,893,470 7/1959 Peller 248/405 bearings forming a part of the skirtsupporting struc- 3.230.908 l/l966 Grant 1 1. l08/l42 ture. 3.353.777ll/l967 Knoedier 248/1882 3.593.954 7/1971 Ritchie ct ul. 248/4l5 4Claims. 8 Drawing F igures 77? 72a 790g 72? Is 706' E 1':- 4 I Y iAUTOPSY TABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relatesgenerally to an autopsy table and. more particularly. to an autopsytable rotatably and vertically adjustable to assume a variety ofpositions convenient for the pathologist or other persons performing anautopsy.

Various table constructions especially adapted for supporting bodiesduring an autopsy are known and generally are equipped with variousaccessories for facilitating the autopsy procedure. Conventionally.these known autopsy tables are supported on a stationary frame having afixed height. Often. the fixed height of the table and thereby thecadaver supported thereon is not at an otpimum level for the pathologistor other persons performing the autopsy. requiring such persons toassume various bent attitudes in the performance of the autopsy. Thisadds materially to their discomfort and unduly increases fatigue. Theperson conducting the autopsy often performs various procedures duringthe course of the autopsy which requires contact of various parts ormembers of his body with the table to obtain leverage in manipulatingthe cadaver or extracting parts therefrom. Such leverage is not alwayseffectively achieved with a fixed height table. Moreover, the personconducting the autopsy must move about the table to gain access to thevarious parts of the cadaver's anat omy. further increasing fatigue.

Attempts have been made to solve this problem by employing an hydraulicactuator for vertically moving the work table relative to its base.However. such known hydraulic arrangements are provided withcylinder-piston arrangements actuated by fluid pressure generated by afoot operated pump. In raising or lowering the table during an autopsyprocedure the pathologist generally has to balance himself on one footwhile actuating the pump pedal with the other foot and often cannot usehis hand for balancing support on the table since they are covered withwaste fluids and the like and are held in an elevated position above thetable. Such an awkward stance on the part of the pathologist inmanipulating the table not only creates a hazardous condition. but alsocontributes to fatigue. Also. the operating fluid for these hydraulicarrangements poses problems of leakage and downward drift or settling ofthe table. Moreover. the requirements of a bulky reservoir and theattendant equipment associated with a hydraulic system complicate thestructural design of such autopsy tables.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The autopsy table of the present invention. ashereinafter described. obviates the above disadvantages by supportingthe table on a vertically movable support for selectively adjusting theheight of the table. as desired. by a mechanical actuator and mountingthe table for free rotational movement in a horizontal plane to aselective adjusted angular position.

Generally speaking. the autopsy table of this invention comprises anupstanding cylindrical base member. a cylindrical skirt telescopicallymounted on the base member for vertical and rotational movement relativethereto, and a table fixed to the upper end of the cylindrical skirt formovement therewith. An electrically operated screw drive arrangement.mounted centrally of the base member, is operative to reciprocate anactuating rod. connected through a structural supporting arrangement. toa fixed ring. in turn supporting a rotatable ring to which the skirt isaffixed. A heavy compression spring is disposed about the actuating rodto counterbalance the weight of the table superstructure and the loadcarried thereon. Circumferentially spaced thrust bearings are mounted onthe fixed ring for supporting the skirt ring for free and easyrotational movement relative thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofone form of an autopsy table constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view. on an enlarged scale. taken on theline 2-2 of FIG. I;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view. taken on the line 33 of FIG. 2'.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view. taken on the line 4-4of FIG. 3'.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a retaining plate used in conjunctionwith the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a thrust bearing used in conjunctionwith the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view. taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2'.and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view. taken on the line 8-8of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detailto the drawings. there is shown in FIG. 1 an autopsy table. generallydesignated 10. constructed in accordance with this invention andcomprising a base member 12. a cylindrical skirt [4 rotatably andvertically adjustable relative to base member l2. and a table 16 rigidlysecured to the cylinder 14 for movement therewith.

Base I2 comprises an annular shell 18 reinforced adjacent the upper andlower ends thereof by relatively thick. annular reinforcing members 20and 22 welded or otherwise fixedly secured to the inner wall surface ofshell 18. A cross channel member 24 extends across the shell 18 adjacentthe lower end thereof and is rigidly secured at the opposite endsthereof to the inner surface of reinforcing member 22. The cross member24 serves as a compression member bracing the wall defined by shell I8.Also. a pair of diametrically opposed. vertically extending structuralchannel members 26 and 27 and a pair of diametrically opposed.vertically extending structural angle members 28 and 29 are suitablyaffixed adjacent their respective ends. as by means of weldments 30 and32 for example. to the inner surfaces of reinforcing members 20 and 22.Channel members 26. 27 and angle members 28. 29 also reinforce andrigidify the annular shell 18 of base member 12. As shown in FIG. 2.channel member 26 is tied to angle member 29 by a horizontallyextending. connecting member 33, thus completing the structuralframework for the base I2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. an actuator 36 is mounted within the annularshell 18 along the axis thereof and is provided with a reduced diameterend portion 38 supported on an embossment 40 rigidly secured to the baseof cross channel member 24. The ac tuator 36 is releasably mounted inplace on the channel member 24 by a suitable fastener. such as screw 42.

Telescopically mounted within the actuator 36 is an actuating rod 44 forraising and lowering the skirt l4 and other superstructure, hereinafterdescribed.

The means for reciprocating rod 44 includes an electric drive motor 46,connected to a suitable source of electrical power (not shown) andmounted on the cross channel member 24. The motor 46 is operativelyconnected through a suitable gear reduction mechanism 48, including aworm drive arrangement. to a rotatable screw mounted in the cylinder 36and threaded in a nut affixed to the actuating rod 44. The screw isfixed against axial movement and. upon rotation. causes the nut and theattached rod 44 to move vertically in a manner well known in the art.Since such drives and screw arrangements are well known. per se. it isbe lieved that no further amplification or illustration is necessary.Suffice it to say that any suitable electromechanical arrangement can beemployed to reciprocate actuating rod 44 within the purview of thisinvention. Such a mechanical arrangement can be compactly designed toconserve space and provide ample passage area within the base 12 for thecirculation of air when a down draft ventilation system is incorporatedto direct the foul and contaminated atmosphere away from thepathologists face during an autopsy. Also. a mechanical drive eliminatesfluid leakage and other problems associated with hydraulic drivesystems. Moreover. the skirt 14 remains fixed in its adjusted elevatedposition and does not tend to drift downwardly as otherwise often occursin hydraulic arrangements.

A spring guide block 50 having a threaded bore therein is attached to athreaded stud 52 projecting axi ally outwardly from the top of theactuating rod 44. A transversely extending cross channel member 54 issup ported on the block 50 and releasably secured thereto by a suitablefastener 56. The actuating rod 44 supports the cross channel member 54,skirt l4. and the entire table superstructure. as will presently appear.In order to relieve the actuating rod 44 of some of the compressiveforces acting thereagainst as a result of the weight of the structuresupported thereby. a helical compression spring 58 is disposed aboutactuator 36 and interposed between a retainer 60 mounted on the lowerend of cylinder 36 and cross channel member 54 for counterbalancing theweight of the table superstructure. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, thecentral portion of the cross channel member 54 is widened by removingportions of the side legs thereof and securing a pair of retainingplates 62 and 64 to the channel member 54, which plates dependdownwardly therefrom in overlying relation to the upper end of spring 58for captively retaining the same about guide block 50. Of course. thecross channel member 54 can be widened throughout its length. ifdesired. to accommodate the upper end of spring 58 while providing astructural member of uniform width.

A pair of vertically extending plates 66 and 68 are connected to theopposite ends of cross channel member 54 by means of yoke arrangementscomprised of upper and lower gusset plates 70 and 72. Secured to theplates 66 and 68 by suitable fasteners 74 are vertical support members76 and 78, each provided with an upper and lower rod supporting block 80and 82 adjacent the respective ends thereof. Aligned bores 84 and 86 areformed in the blocks 80 and 82 for receiving guide rods 88 fixed toblocks 80 and 82 by set screws 90. Guide rods 88 are slidably mounted invertically spaced guide bearing blocks 92 and 94 provided with suitablesleeve bearings therein and secured to each of the opposed angle members28 and 29 by means of screw fasteners 96. Thus. the cross channel member54. and the table superstructure carried thereby. are vertically guidedby means of a pair of guide rods 88 slidably mounted in verticallyspaced guide bearing blocks 92 and 94, respectively.

A pair of diametrically opposed. horizontally extending segments and102, affixed along their respective outer arcuately curved edges to anannular support ring 104, are mounted on the guide rod upper blocks 80by suitable fasteners 81. A plurality of upstanding lugs 106 are fixedlysecured, as by welding for example, to the inner peripheral surface ofsupport ring 104 at circumferentially spaced intervals of 90. A flat.generally U-shaped thrust bearing [08 (FIG. 6) is supported on ring [04adjacent each lug I06 and is provided with a central recessed portion110 fitted about the associ ated lug 106 by suitable fasteners ll4extending through suitable openings 6 provided in the retainer plate112. The plate 112 projects radially outwardly past lug 106 invertically spaced relation to thrust bearing 108 to define a groove 118.

A rotatable ring 120, fixed along its outer peripheral edge to the skirtl4 by screw fasteners 122, is supported on the thrust bearings 108 forrotatable move' ment relative thereto and guided during its rotationalmovement within the grooves 118. The thrust bearings 108 preferably areformed ofa wear-resistant, antifriction material. such as Nylonimpregnated with molybdenum disulfide for example. to reduce friction toa minimum and provide free and easy rotational movement of ring and theskirt 14 carried thereby rela tive to the base 12.

A brake. generally designated 124, is provided for locking the rotatablering 120 and thereby the table 16 in a selective angular position. Thebrake 124 com prises a stem 126 threadably mounted in a nut [27 fixedlysecured to the outer surface of skirt l4 and is provided with an innerend portion 128 engagable with the outer peripheral surface of fixedring 104 to lock the skirt 14 in a selective rotatably adjusted positionrelative to the base member 12. A manually operable knob 130 is providedon the outer end of the threaded stem 126 to rotate the same in eitherdirection for engaging and disengaging the brake 124.

The table 16 is rigidly secured to the upper end of the skirt 14 by anysuitable means for vertical and rotatable movement therewith. The table16 is in the form of an elongated drainboard having a peripheral uprightflange 132 and inclined bottom wall portions 134 converging toward thecenter of the table to a central sink portion 136 having a suitableoutlet drain for collecting and discharging the water and other fluidsresulting from an autopsy procedure. A suitable strainer. as well as awaste disposable unit. may be incorporated in the sink 136 andoperatively connected to the drain. as desired. A head rest 138 and bodysupports 140 are adjustably supported on the table 16 to accommodate thecadaver on which the autopsy is being performed. Also. a water faucet142, an aspirator 144 and a control panel 146 having appropriatecontrols and located inwardly of the table edge to avoid interferencewith the persons attending the autopsy. are arranged on the table 16 forfacilitating the autopsy procedure. However. since such components areknown and do not form a part of this invention. no further descriptionthereof is believed necessary, suffice it to say that the necessaryaccessories for performing an efficient autopsy are located on or aboutthe table 16.

In use. a cadaver is placed on the top of the table and the actuatingrod 44 is raised or lowered. as desired. to position the cadaver at aconvenient level to the pathologist or other persons performing theautopsy. A suitable foot actuated pedal or button incorporated in theelectrical system and operatively connected to the drive motor 46 isactivated to control the operation of rod 44 and thereby the height oftable 16. With the brake stem 126 disengaged from fixed support ring104. the skirt l4 and table l6 may be rotated relative to the base 12and locked in the selective angular position by threading the stem 126radially inwardly into engagement with the ring 104. During the autopsy.the table 16 may be raised. lowered. or rotated. as desired. to provideconvenient access to the particular parts of the cadaver being removed.or from which specimens are taken.

The present invention thus provides an improved autopsy table offeringversatility in vertically and rotatably adjusting the table relative toits associated base. The electromechanical drive for effecting verticalmovement of the table provides an accurate and sensitive adjustmentcontrol avoiding the problems often encountered with hydraulic drive andcontrol arrangements. A heavy duty spring is provided forcounterbalancing the weight of the table superstructure and the loadcarried thereon to relieve a portion of the forces imposed on theactuating rod. The table is freely rotatable relative to its base andlockable in the selective adjusted position.

A preferred embodiment of this invention having been herein describedand illustrated in the drawings. it is to be understood thatmodifications thereof can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of this invention.

I claim:

I. An autopsy table comprising: an upstanding base; a cylindrical skirttelescopically mounted on said base; a table rigidly secured to theupper end of said skirt for movement therewith; means mounting saidskirt for free rotatable movement relative to said base; meansreleasably locking said skirt in a selective rotatably adjusted positionrelative to said base; means supporting said skirt for vertical movementrelative to said base; means for guiding said skirt during said verticalmovement thereof relative to said base; said supporting means includinga mechanical drive means having a vertically axially movable actuatingrod mounted centrally of said base; means connecting said skirt to saidactuating rod. said mounting means including a fixed support ring; aplurality of circumferentially spaced thrust bearings mounted on saidsupport ring; and a rotatable ring connected to said skirt and supportedon said thrust bearings for free rotational movement relative thereto.said fixed support ring being provided with a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced. upstanding lugs secured to the innerperipheral edge thereof; each of said thrust bearings having a recessedportion for receiving one of said lugs; a retainer plate mounted on eachof said lugs in spaced relation to said thrust bearing for defining agroove receiving a portion of said rotatable ring.

2. An autopsy table comprising; an upstanding base; a cylindrical skirttelescopically mounted on said base; a table rigidly secured to theupper end of said skirt for movement therewith; means mounting saidskirt for free rotatable movement relative to said base; meansreleasably locking said skirt in a selective rotatably adjusted positionrelative to said base; means supporting said skirt for vertical movementrelative to said base; means for guiding said skirt during said verticalmovement thereof relative to said base; said supporting means includinga mechanical drive means having a vertically axially movable actuatingrod mounted centrally of said base; means connecting said skirt to saidactuating rod, said connecting means comprising a cross member connectedto the upper end of said actuating rod and extending in a directionnormal thereto; a pair of upright plates connected to the opposite endsof said cross member and having support blocks at the upper endsthereof. respectively; a support ring having diametrically opposedsegments secured to said blocks. bearing means mounted on said supportring; and a rotatable ring affixed to said skirt and supported on saidbearing means for rotational movement relative thereto.

3. An autopsy table according to claim 2 wherein'said guiding meanscomprises a pair of guide rods mounted adjacent the opposite ends ofsaid cross member for sliding movement in vertically spaced bearingblocks. respectively. mounted on said base.

4. An autopsy table comprising: an upstanding base; a cylindrical skirttelescopically mounted on said base; a table rigidly secured to theupper end of said skirt for movement therewith; means mounting saidskirt for free rotatable movement relative to said base; meansreleasably locking said skirt in a selective rotatably adjusted positionrelative to said base; means supporting said skirt for vertical movementrelative to said base; means for guiding said skirt during said verticalmovement thereof relative to said base; said supporting means includinga mechanical drive means having a vertically axially movable actuatingrod mounted centrally of said base; means connecting said skirt to saidactuating rod. said connecting means including a cross member connectedto the upper end of said actuating rod and extending normal thereto; andsaid guiding means comprising a pair of guide rods mounted adjacent theopposite ends of said cross member for sliding movement in verticallyspaced bearing blocks. respectively. mounted on said base.

1. An autopsy table comprising: an upstanding base; a cylindrical skirttelescopically mounted on said base; a table rigidly secured to theupper end of said skirt for movement therewith; means mounting saidskirt for free rotatable movement relative to said base; meansreleasably locking said skirt in a selective rotatably adjusted positionrelative to said base; means supporting said skirt for vertical movementrelative to said base; means for guiding said skirt during said verticalmovement thereof relative to said base; said supporting means includinga mechanical drive means having a vertically axially movable actuatingrod mounted centrally of said base; means connecting said skirt to saidactuating rod, said mounting means including a fixed support ring; aplurality of circumferentially spaced thrust bearings mounted on saidsupport ring; and a rotatable ring connected to said skirt and supportedon said thrust bearings for free rotational movement relative thereto,said fixed support ring being provided with a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced, upstanding lugs secured to the innerperipheral edge thereof; each of said thrust bearings having a recessedportion for receiving one of said lugs; a retainer plate mounted on eachof said lugs in spaced relation to said thrust bearing for defining agroove receiving a portion of said rotatable ring.
 2. An autopsy tablecomprising; an upstanding base; a cylindrical skirt telescopicallymounted on said base; a table rigidly secured to the upper end of saidskirt for movement therewith; means mounting said skirt for freerotatable movement relative to said base; means releasably locking saidskirt in a selective rotatably adjusted position relative to said base;means supporting said skirt for vertical movement relative to said base;means for guiding said skirt during said vertical movement thereofrelative to said base; said supporting means including a mechanicaldrive means having a vertically axially movable actuating rod mountedcentrally of said base; means connecting said skirt to said actuatingrod, said connecting means comprising a cross member connected to theupper end of said actuating rod and extending in a direction normalthereto; a pair of upright plates connected to the opposite ends of saidcross member and having support blocks at the upper ends thereof,respectively; a support ring having diametrically opposed segmentssecured to said blocks; bearing means mounted on said support ring; anda rotatable ring affixed to said skirt and supported on said bearingmeans for rotational movement relative thereto.
 3. An autopsy tableaccording to claim 2 wherein said guiding means comprises a pair ofguide rods mounted adjacent the opposite ends of said cross member forsliding movement in vertically spaced bearing blocks, respectively,mounted on said base.
 4. An autopsy table comprising: an upstandingbase; a cylindrical skirt telescopically mounted on said base; a tablerigidly secured to the upper end of said skirt for movement therewith;means mounting said skirt for free rotatable movement relative to saidbase; means releasably locking said skirt in a selective rotatablyadjusted position relative to said base; means supporting said skirt forvertical movement relative to said base; means for guiding said skirtduring said vertical movement thereof relative to said base; saidsupporting means including a mechanical drive means having a verticallyaxially movable actuating rod mounted centrally of said base; meansconnecting said skirt to said actuating rod, said connecting meansincluding a cross member connected to the upper end of said actuatingrod and extending normal thereto; and said guiding means comprising apair of guide rods mounted adjacent the opposite ends of said crossmember for sliding movement in vertically spaced bearing blocks,respectively, mounted on said base.